Crossword Genius

Bald, pessimistic investor with lower energy (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

bare

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'bald pessimistic investor' is the definition.
'bare' can be an answer for 'bald' (I've seen this in another clue). I am unsure of the 'pessimistic investor' bit.

'with lower energy' is the wordplay.
'with' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'lower' becomes 'bar' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'energy' becomes 'e' (physics symbol as in E=mca).
'bar' next to 'e' is 'BARE'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for bare that I've seen before include "Denuded" , "State of deciduous tree in winter" , "Mere" , "Nude; uncover" , "Unclothed or unadorned" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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